Overview
*Subject to NZQA approval.
Gain the language skills to communicate independently and effectively in academic settings.
This qualification is intended for learners of English who wish to apply their English language proficiency with increasing independence and fluency in an academic context.
You will learn the skills to:
- understand main ideas and supporting details of moderately complex oral and written academic texts.
- participate effectively in sustained spoken academic discourse.
- write detailed, developed, moderately complex academic texts.
Education pathways
This certificate can lead to the New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) (Level 5) or into certain certificate or diploma courses at New Zealand Qualifications Framework Level 5 and above.
Entry Requirements
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to understand follow, and respond to instructions given in English.
- be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be 16 years of age or older on the 1st of January in the year that the student enrols, unless approved otherwise by the Academic Lead; AND
- Can reasonably expect to achieve the standards required for successful completion of the programme or course;
AND one of the following:
- Have successfully completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Applied) (Level 3); OR
- Provide an IELTS Academic score of at least 5.5 with no band score lower than 5.0; OR an accepted international equivalence.
- Provide evidence of CEFR B2 level in the VITAL placement test; OR
Applicants using VITAL CEFR B2 evidence to enter the programme will be required to undertake the internal NorthTec placement test to confirm their current level of English proficiency. This will include writing and speaking components.
Intakes & Applications
Dates & Bookings
Youth Guarantee Fund*
If you are aged 16 to 24, you could study for FREE as part of the government's Youth Guarantee fund. To qualify for the Youth Guarantee fund, you must meet the following criteria:
- Complete an application for a course that is covered by the Youth Guarantee fund.
- Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 16 to 24 years old at the time the course starts. Learners who are 15 years old and hold Ministry approved early leaving exemption from their school may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.
Priority places will be given to students who:
- have not yet achieved NCEA Level 1 or NCEA Level 2; or
- have completed a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification through a Youth Guarantee provision programme.
All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status is required. Programme entry criteria may apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact Studylink for more information.
* All fees and study costs found on this website are indicative course fees only and exclude the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy.
The 2025 CSSF levy is $300 per full-time equivalent student (120 credits) and funds key services for students.
Prices are in New Zealand Dollars including GST, and are for domestic students only, unless otherwise stated. For programmes longer than one academic year in duration, the fees quoted are for the first year. Final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. All fees and study costs are subject to confirmation, including zero fees courses.
Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including during the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. See our full Terms and conditions.
Additional Information
Career opportunities and pathways
Holders of this certificate will have the English language skills to work in positions that require:
- interpersonal communication
- understanding of context-specific texts of a more academic nature
- writing records and reports
- interaction in a team
Employment Pathways
About Te Pūkenga
Following the Government’s announcement of its intention to disestablish Te Pūkenga | New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, please be assured that your programme of study or training will continue as planned while we work through the details of how this change will be implemented.
We are committed to ensuring that organisational changes that need to be made to meet the Government’s expectations do not impact the delivery of our programmes and training for our learners and employers.
If you need access to learner support services or have any concerns, please contact us.
